Process and device for the filling of a container with objects in the form of sticks

ABSTRACT

Process for the filling of a container, normally open in its top portion which is tipped downwards in such a way that the objects may be introduced at the bottom, comprising the steps of closing said open portion to prevent the objects introduced into said container to escape therefrom, and introducing the objects through at least one intake opening located substantially in the plane of symmetry of the container inner space fed by said opening.

United States Patent Inventor Claude Paul Aline Phat SIIBWW. France Appl. No 7 I 6.450

Filed Mar. 27. I968 Patented Aug. 24, I97! Assignee Service D'Eqiollatlon lndutrlelle den Tebacs et des Allunems ris, France Priority Mar. 29. 1967 France [00,660

PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR THE FILLING OF A CONTAINER WITH OBJECTS IN THE FORM OF STICKS 7 Clalme, 25 Drawing Figs.

U.S. Cl 53/35, 53/37 Int. Cl. ll6$b 5/10, 565!) 19/00 Field ol Search 53/26. 35.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2.786;! I 5 3/1957 Schweiter 53/242 X 2,873,063 2/l959 Schweiter .i 53/242 X 3,435,586 4/l969 Scherr 53/242 Primary Ezaminer-'l'l\eron E. Condon Assistant Examiner- Robert L. Spruill Attorney-Sparrow and Sparrow ABSTRACT: Process for the filling of a container. normally open in its top portion which is tipped downwards in such a way that the objects may be introduced at the bottom, comprising the steps of closing said open portion to prevent the objects introduced into said container to escape therefrom, and introducing the objects through at least one intake opening located substantially in the plane of symmetry of the container inner space fed by said opening.

PATENTEunuszman 3,600,873 sum u1 or -11 8 figure'l UNVENTOR UMAQ Pdul Nm DdrdT 'SPARRQW ml PATENTEUAUGZMHYI H.600 8Y3 sum 03 0F 11 LII] III/I1 1/1 I III II Ill/1711771 l I I 111/ l/lrl I I [I] Ill/l 77 I] PATENTED M1824 x971 v 6 O0 8 73 sum near 11 PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR THE FILLING OF A CONTAINER WITH OBJECTS IN THE FORM OF STICKS The present invention relates to a process and a device for the filling of a container with objects in the form of sticks. It relates also to a device for the automatic feeding of a machine which receives objects, notably in the form of sticks, and which after transformation of these objects, delivers more elaborate objects which still have the form of sticks.

lt is customary in general, and more particularly in the industry of cigars, cigarettes and similar objects to use storage containers in which the objects in the form of sticks are arranged in superimposed layers. These containers generally consist of a bottom and two lateral walls mounted at right angles on the short side of the bottom. The objects are arranged so that they present their axis parallel to these three walls, the rigidity of which is assured by a fourth wall joined to the three others on their large side.

in such containers, the introduction of the objects is performed generally by way of the top opening which is the side opposite the bottom or, where this top opening is directed upwards, through the side opposite the fourth wall mentioned above.

in the first case it is necessary to conduct the first objects towards the bottom of the container, moving them transversally to their axis. Various mechanisms have been suggested for this purpose: they are often complicated or present risks of injuring products with fragile envelope such as cigars. The device described in the French Patent issued to the applicant under N0. l,295,423 is perfectly suited for high deliveries for the production of cigarettes, but it has to be feared that the devices applied may damage the fragile envelopes of the products.

The devices of the second type comprise the introduction of the objects into the container through the side opening according to an axial movement; in this way for example successive layers are formed by moving the container and the feed device in a vertical plane in relation to one another. In this method mechanical movements have to be carried out which have to be designed all the more carefully as it is a case of objects with fragile envelopes.

in all these devices the container rests on its bottom. This arrangement does not favour the emptying operation of containers filled with objects in the form of sticks. Very generally, the container has to be turned upside down after it has been provided with a lid which is then removed so that the objects drop out of the container by gravity. This means that in any case it will be necessary in the feeding devices for the transformation machines, which produce objects in the shape of sticks from objects of the same shape, to provide a movement for the turning upside down of the containers to be emptied while on the other hand to filling of the containers requires mechanisms to assure movements which are different from the preceding one and which are adapted to the types of filling devices previously described. The whole does not appear as a homogeneous unit.

The difficulties that were encountered gave rise to a study of the problem posed in particular by the filling operation and to the development of an original solution comprising the advantages of simplicity, low cost and gentleness of operation while permitting a homogeneous overall design for the feed of a transformation machine.

A primary object of the present invention is therefore a process for the filling of containers.

The process employed is a process for the filling of a container, normally open in its top portion which is tipped downwards in such a way that the objects may be introduced at the bottom directly onto a lid which has been previously arranged opposite the opening, without the need for any delicate means to conduct the objects into the lower portion of the container. It will be sufficient, once the container has bdpn filled, to turn it back up and then to remove the lid. I

It is understood that devices exist already into which objects are introduced at the bottom of the containers; however, in such cases the containers are not only open at the lower portion but also at the top portion, whereby this top opening may or may not be the outlet opening for the objects. They often play the part of a storage container of variable capacity and do in no way aim at the complete or near complete filling of a volume limited by at least three partitions which among themselves constitute at least two dihedral angles.

It will be noticed that the process of the invention may be used by equipping containers in such a way that their turning is not necessary: the filling and the emptying take place at the bottom and they may be stocked and manipulated in this position. Such a result is achieved in accordance with the invention by equipping the containers in such a way that movable lids may be fixed to them and by providing that the said lids present an opening for the introduction of objects, this opening being fitted with obstacles which can be made to disappear under the effect of a thrust exerted towards the inside, and that this same lid may be removed, completely or partly, for the emptying, from the plane of the opening sealed by the said lid.

in accordance with the process of the invention in which the opening opposite the bottom is directed downwards, it will be possible moreover to introduce the successive objects in such a manner that they are above or below the previously introduced objects.

it is thus possible to choose the solution as a function espe cially of the fragility of the objects and in particular of their cover. in the choice of the solution which answers best to the particular conditions, one will take into account the combinations to which the two above mentioned variants of the process lend themselves and which consist either in maintaining the sealing lid on the level of the opening of the container in reversed position, or in removing this lid in the course of the filling, or in removing the container with respect of the lid.

To assure a perfect filling of the container and to subject the objects only to the maximum limited stresses, which is important in the case of fragile objects such as cigars and cigarettes, the invention provides the introduction of the objects through one or several feed openings situated appreciably in the plane of symmetry of the volume of the container affected by the said orifice.

The introduction can in this way be carried out through a single orifice situated in the median plane of symmetry of the container or through two orifices situated appreciably at a quarter of the length arranged between the walls of the container parallel with the axial direction of the objects introduced.

Thanks to this process the objects are introduced in sheaf form" on both sides of the feed orifices and distribute themselves progressively over the entire height of the container.

A second object of the invention is a device for the application of the process.

The device of the invention may be designed for the filling of containers the storage position of which is that in which the opening opposite. the bottom is directed upwards. in accordance with this concept the support will be movable, by tipping for example, between the filling position and the storage position and the lid will be mounted in such a way as to describe the same movement as the support or a portion of the movement of the same.

The lid may represent a partial sealing of the container, especially in such a way as to leave a passage through which the input conveyor can communicate with the container. it may seal the opening only according to one of the strips of a total width less than the width of the opening.

The containers may also be used for storage in the position which is the filling position, that is to say with the opening directed downwards. The support may be movable laterally and means will be provided to join the lid with the container, at least during the whole time of the storage of the objects.

ln the latter case the lid will therefore be fully joined to the container whilst previously the lid pivoted with the support and served as a new lid in the following operation of the filling of a new container. lt would appear therefore that the sealing lid, used for the filling of successive containers, forms an integral part of the device of the invention in the embodiment where the containers are filled from below and where they are turned to direct the opening upwards which is the storage position.

In the opposite embodiment, a lid is required to maintain the objects in each container and must therefore accompany it; under these conditions this lid cannot be considered to form part of the device. It contributes here to the formation of a new container of which, at least temporarily, it forms a constituent. This represents a new object of the invention. This new container, which will be discussed later on, allows not only a considerable simplification of the device, and the utilization of existing containers without any modification, but also permits the carrying out in a particularly advantageous manner the complete feed of a transformation machine.

The filling device which comprises a lid cooperating with the filling of successive containers, will present preferably a mobile support and lid arranged in such a way that the opening of the container directed downwards, is situated in a horizontal plane corresponding appreciably to that of the lid. This arrangement, together with the position in the central area of the lid of the orifice for the passage of objects delivered by the conveyor will be particularly favorable for the complete filling of the container. It will be understood that at least in part of the said passage elements which can be retracted towards the inside will be provided, which prevent the dropping out of objects already introduced in the container.

Preferably, the conveyor which feeds the objects and which communicates with the container through the passage provided in the plate, shall be arranged vertically in such a way that the lifting element or elements of the objects exert a vertical thrust of a kind so as to distribute in the course of the filling the objects on the right-hand portion as well as on the left-hand portion of the container.

lt is not essential however that the feed conveyor should be arranged vertically; the essential point is that the thrust exerted on the objects should, on the level of the lid be directed in accordance with an appreciably vertical direction to allow a good distribution on both sides of the opening.

The lid may also be mobile, in the course of the filling, between the bottom of the container and its opening directed downwards; in this case the conveyor will have to penetrate into the container at least to the highest point reached by the mobile lid. It will be noticed that the container may moreover be moved in relation to the lid. Such modifications may be advantageous in themselves in that they allow the waiving of conditions imposed earlier for the achievement of a complete filling. For example, the horizontal plane is no longer indispensable.

The device may also comprise two or more mobile lids between the opening and the bottom of the container. These lids may be formed by a series of plates which induce the said objects to progress towards the top of the container. Means will then be provided to eliminate these litting plates at the end of the filling and to place the lid which must accompany the mobile support of the container underneath the same. Another solution may consist in withdrawing these plates only during the turning at an appropriately chosen moment.

It will be noticed that the lateral transfer of the objects which constitutes the furnishing of lids still remains within the scope of the invention which consists in the filling of a container through its opening directed downwards. In fact, this lateral transfer, effected on a lower plane than the level of this opening, allows full freedom of movement while a direct transfer through the side of the container makes it necessary to provide for adequate accommodations which subsequently hinder the complete filling of the container.

The device may also comprise a feeding of the input conveyor of the objects which is of particularly simple operation and consists of a duct delivering the objects by gravity. This inclined duct will allow the transport of objects by axial sliding over the smooth surface forming a shell of generally tubular shape of a section which is larger thanthe approximately circular shape of the objects. lt may be completed by an inclined plane or any other surface with transvers'al sliding or rolling of the objects which may serve as storage buffer between arrival and emptying. 1

It may be added that the invention extends also to the case of independent lids which may or may not cooperate with the dependent lids of the mobile supports. These independent lids introduced into the containers like the objects which they separate into distinct tiers, rather form part of the containers. Such containers are converted in this way to pressure blocks for the shaping of objects; the independent lids remain there until the dismantling.

As indicated previously, the process and the device described fall within the scope of a process and a device for the feeding of a machine for the transformation of objects in the shape of sticks. Thus it is another object of the invention to provide a device with such an object comprising a conveyor for the containers to be emptied, then to be filled after transformation by the machine of the objects fed, two mobile supports for the double transfer of containers between the conveyor and the machine, the first for the transfer towards the emptying point of the containers, the second for the transfer towards the filling point of the containers sealing lid for the containers accompanying each of the supports, the said device comprising further means for the disengaging at least at its lowest part, of the opening of the container carried by the upstream support and also means for the moving of the objects towards the bottom of the container carried by the downstream support and to hinder their dropping out. In such a feed device the movement of the two supports will advantageously be simultaneous.

Lastly, a final object of the invention consists of a new container in combination with the simplified feed device which it permits. The new container shall consist of a lid inserted on the previously used container; the said lid which becomes the bottom of the new container; used with the opening directed permanently downwards is provided with a passage in its central area and is connected to the container by an elastic element in such a way that a force which is greater than the same removes all or part of the lid in relation to the opening of the container. it should be understood that the invention is not necessarily tied to containers of the classical form. The com tainer may simply consist of two lateral sides opposite one another and maintained in relation to each other by a crosspiece or a wall and capable of receiving a lid as indicated previously.

The feed device using this new container will be considerably simplified. Thus, considering the expense required for providing the containers with the appropriate lid, the transfer device will be a conveyor cooperating with at least two transporters being arranged, at least one of them, underneath its trajectory and feeding the machine each in one direction, and with at least one support to hold the containers between the story of the containers filled with products to be transformed and the story of containers filled with transformed products.

In the following several embodiments of the invention will be described and represented in the appended drawings by way of examples.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the device according to line H! of FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1 but in which the container held on its support is oriented with its opening, opposite to the bottom, directed upwards.

I510. 3 is an elevation of the device in which the opening of the container is directed downwards; the view as shown reveals the inside of the container.

FIG. 4 is a-scction according to line lV/lV of HO. 3.

FIG. 5 is a section view according to line V/V of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a detail on a larger scale of a portion of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are sections of another type of constructional embodiment which represent the container in its two successive extreme positions, the reversed position (FIG. 7) which is the one for filling, and the normal storage position (FIG. 8). The elements represented in these figures bear the same references.

FIG. 9 is a section according to line IX/IX ofFlG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a section of a container provided with a lid fitted up for filling and emptying.

FIG. 11 is a section of a variant where several lids are provided and FIG. 12 is a section following XII/XII of FIG. I 1.

FIGS. 13 to 16 present different forms of embodiments which derive from two of the preceding types.

FIGS. 17 and I8, and also the sections of FIGS. 19 and 20, relating to FIG. 18 are diagrams of devices for the complete feed of a transformation machine.

FIG. 21 is a vertical section of a container arranged above a double conveyor for the input of objects.

FIG. 22 presents a variant for the feed of the input conveyor.

FIG. 23 is a section of a filling device using independent lids.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the container used.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a device with two lids assuming in turn the sealing position.

In accordance with FIGS. I, 2 and 3 the support 2 is mounted pivoting around the axis 1 between the position shown in FIG. 2 and that of FIG. I. In the latter the container 9 is in reversed position, that is to say its opening 10, opposite the bottom II, is directed downwards while in FIG. 2 this opening 10 is directed upwards. In the case of container 9 which comprises a bottom II, lateral walls 12 and I3 and a wall 14 joining together the three preceding ones, the position of FIG. 2 is the normal storage position in which the objects rest on the bottom 11 and between the walls 12 and I3 in such a way that the axes of the objects are appreciably parallel and perpendicular to the planes defined by these three walls.

The container 9 is accommodated in the support which comprises holding catches. The movement of the support is limited by stops 45 and 44 placed on the path of the arm 5 and outside the path of the support 2. The angle swept by the support is limited as shown on the figure where the support 2 is mounted on the mobile shaft 4 around the axis I between the two positions defined previously. The lid 6 is carried by the two arms 5. The shafi 4 is concentric to the hollow shaft 3 inside which it can turn freely. The shaft 3 comprises at each end, two stud holes 7 into which penetrate the two rods for the fixing of the shaft 4 of the support 2. In accordance with the drawings shown the position and the dimension of the stud hole are determined in such a way that the rotation of the shaft 4 entrains the rotation of the shaft 3, and hence of the lid, of an angle smaller than that of the support 2. Here the support described an angle of I80. A drop latch with spring clamp and catch 62 restricts the pivoting of the lid from the position of FIG. 1 to that ofFlG. 2.

A pusher 8 with reciprocating movement in a vertical plane is arranged underneath the plane of the lid 6 in the position of FIG. I. As shown in FIG. 5 the pusher 8 moves between the walls 15 in the channel 27 which communicates on its end with a passage 16 provided in the lid 6 when the same is in the position of FIG. 1. This passage I6 is provided in the central position of the lid 6 and is of a dimension slightly greater than that of the objects. The movement of the pusher 8 is controlled by the operation of an element which introduces the objects above the pusher when it is in bottom position, through the duct 17 shown in FIG. I. Catches I8 balanced in such a manner as to obturate partially the passage in the position of FIG. 5. can be eclipsed towards the top by a thrust directed. from the channel defined by the walls 15, towards the lid 6. The pusher 8 the section of which seen on FIG. 4 is smaller than the passage I6 is brought into a top position by the stroke of the control element not shown in the drawing,

which corresponds at least to the level of the catches 18 in normal position.

The channel 17 opens in the variant of FIG. 22, above the bottom position of the pusher 8. A shell 72 conducts the objects towards the channel 27.

In accordance with the FIGS. 7 and 8, the support 2 comprises as one of its integral parts, the lid itself, which here too is given the reference FIG. 6. The container 9 is held by gripping devices 25 in a manner as to pivot around an axis I parallel to the edges constituted by the intersection of the lateral walls 12 and I3 on the one hand and of the bottom 11 on the other hand. FIG. 7 presents the container in reversed position in which the opening I0 is directed downwards and coincides with the lid 6; the opening and the lid are appreciably in the same horizontal plane. FIG. 8 presents this same container 9 in the opposite position. Here it rests on the conveyor 20 which is an endless movable belt between transport rollers, one of which is shown in 19.

A fixed stop 21 is in the position in which it is represented, in contact with the lever 22 which comprises the spring 23. This lever 22 pivots around the axis 24 fixed to the support 2; the other end of the lever 22 carries an angle iron 25. In FIG. 7 the spring 23 is relaxed and the angle iron 25 is applied to the corresponding edge of the container.

In accordance with FIG. 7 the conveyor is a wheel 26 with retractable blades 28 arranged at the bottom of a duct 27 enclosed by walls 15. This wheel 26 is located in a shell swept by the blades 28 which turn around the cam 29 and which are maintained radially under the effect of springs 31 accommodated between radial guides 30 as shown in FIG. 9. The springs are fixed on sleeves 32 attached to the axis of the wheel.

Also provided, as shown in FIG. 7 are two photoelectric cells 33 for the control of the rotation agent (not shown) for the shaft 4 around the axis 1, over an angle of I" from the position of FIG. 7 to that of FIG. 8. The opposite movement is controlled by a contactor (not shown) actuated by the advance of one step of the conveyor 20, which has been put into motion previously by the arrival in the position shown in FIG. 8, of the container on the same conveyor.

FIG. 10 shows a container 9 the opening 10 of which, opposite the bottom II, is defined by the lateral walls 12 and 13, and sealed by a lid 6 which comprises a passage 16 with catches I8 which are capable of disappearing under an upwards thrust; the lid 6 comprises a pivot 34 joined to one end of the container in an appropriate manner and a spring 63 connected to the other end. The lid 6 comprises a projection 35 on which can act a pusher 36 in the direction of the arrow.

In accordance with FIG. 11 the support 2 mounted on a sliding system 70 holds the container 9 which it can conduct from the position shown to the opposite position around the axis I by describing at the most a plane angle. A series of lids 6 is mounted on the rack 37 which comprises a slot 38 in which moves the end 39 of suitable square section of the shaft 4 coaxial with the shaft 3 which carries the support 2. The shafts 3 and 4 are devised to turn together and one in relation to the other as specified in FIG. 6. The guide cam 71 is arranged to form an obstacle to the support 2 in the course of rotation and to force the extension of the slide 70. The wheel 40 engages on the teeth of the rack. The shaft of the wheel 40 is coaxial with the shaft of a ratchet wheel 41 put into rotation step by step by a pusher 43. The ratchet wheel can only turn in a clockwise direction. The shafts of the wheels 40 and 41 are mounted on the shaft 4 by means of connecting rods 48. The two shafts are driven by an electromagnetic gear 42; they are also driven by the contact of the rack with the abutment 45. A fixed plate 46 which may be the upper end of an endless conveyor is provided laterally and below the level of the opening 10. A reciprocating pusher 47 moves over the plate (or conveyor) 46 and its return movement, by way ofa suitable contact (not shown), causes the action of the pusher 43.

The story 68 containing separating plates 67 is arranged above the fixed plate (or endless conveyor) 46. This story comprises on each side of its open base two sets of superimposed shifter devices 69 which extract the plates one by one. The upper sets are actuated by the outward movement of the pusher 47, the lower sets by the inward movement of the same.

In accordance with the FIG. I3 only a single lid 6 mounted on the rack 37 is provided here as against the device of FIG. 11. The lid consists of two portions between which the passage of a channel 27 enclosed by the walls I5 is provided. The lid 6 may move between the position of FIG. 14 and the level of the opening 10 under the control of a filling detector (not shown). Save the differences indicated above, the device of FIGS. 13 and 14 comprises elements already described in relation to FIGS. 11 and 12.

In accordance with FIG. IS the lid in two portions 6, movable in the container 9, is integral with the walls 15 which constitute the channel 27. Fixed walls 49 which are telescopic with the walls I5 are provided.

In accordance with FIG. I6, the opening 10 is no longer arranged in a horizontal plane and the channel 27 is no longer in the central area of the lid 6.

FIG. 17 is another form of embodiment of the invention which comprises a container provided with a lid such as represented in FIG. I0. This same lid 6 is thus utilized for the emptying and for the filling. The overall operation is represented in FIG. 17 where two successive containers are driven along together by the conveyor 50 and stop together, each stopping at A and then at B. At B is the emptying post of the container 90 filled with objects above the withdrawal conveyor 51. A presence detector (not shown) actuates as soon as the container is in position, a pusher 52 which operates on the projection 35 of the lid. An abutment 53 acts as a counterpart stop of the container. At A, above the conveyor 55 seen also on FIG. 7, is the filling post where the container 9b is in such a position that the opening I6 of its lid 6 corresponds to the downstream end of the channel 27 inside which a thrust is exerted by means such as the pusher 8 of FIG. 3, or the wheel 26 with retractable blades of FIG. 7. A detector corresponding to the detector 33 of FIG. 7 may actuate the advance by one step of the conveyor 50.

The representation of FIG. I8 and the sections of FIGS. 19 and 20 represent also a complete device for the feed of containers filled with objects to a transformation machine, the emptying of the container towards the machine, the filling of a container with the objects transformed by the machine and the withdrawal of the said container. In these three figures on the right side of the axis 1, is shown the support 2 in the position of taking the container 9, and on the left side this same support is shown in the opposite position of holding the same container 9. This device comprises the different elements already described with the corresponding reference numbers, and some new ones: a conveyor 20 is driven step by step in the direction of the arrow. At each step it feeds a filled container 9 to the post A and an empty container 9 to the post B. A support 2, at each of these posts may pivot around an axis 1 to take for one the container 9 resting on the conveyor 20 at post A, for the other the container 9 resting on the conveyor 20 at post B. At the post A in accordance with FIG. 19, the support 2 is associated with a lid 6 mounted on a slide not shown in the drawing. The lid 6 is maintained in sealing position of the opening I0 directed upwards, in the right-hand portion of FIG. 19 by a spring 56. In the left-hand portion of the same figure, the container 9 is tipped into a position according to which the lid 6 is in an inclined plane. The rail 54 is shaped and positioned to engage under the hook 57 as soon as the same arrives on the level of the upper end of the rail. The curvature of the latter is such that it displaces the lid 6 in its plane between the slides by a distance corresponding to the dimension of the opening required for the descent by gravity of the objects from the container 9 onto the conveyor 51.

In accordance with FIG. 20, the lid 6 comprises an opening 16 with retractable catches I8. This figure corresponds to the embodiment illustrated in its two extreme positions in FIGS. 7

and 8. However, in contrast to FIG. 7, the channel 27 here communicates with the downstream end of a duct 17 which is a tubular duct of a cross section greater dian that of the objects; the upstream end of the duct I7 communicates, at a higher level with the plane of the conveyor 51 which moves the objects transversally to their axis. A pusher 58 is provided which acts following the axis of the objects in the axis of the duct 17. The movement of the supports at each of the posts A and B is achieved by a motor (not shown) at a signal from the detector 61. The actuation of the pushers 8 and 58 is assured by a mechanical linkage or some other classical solution. It may be synchronized with the machine or preferably at a slightly higher speed.

In accordance with FIG. 21, the container 9 is provided with a lid 6 presenting two openings I6a and 16b on both sides of the axis of the container. These openings are such that their axis is situated appreciably at equal distance from the axis of the container and of the lateral sides of the same. These axis are indicated on the figure by dotted lines. The openings 16a and I6b are united by a shell 65 on the inside wall of which moves, in a reciprocating movement, a pusher 66. A duct 17 ends, above the shell, in the axis of the container; this duct will be open in its lower portion.

In accordance with FIGS. 23 and 24, the container 9 is provided with catches 18; it is suspended on support 2 which comprises rollers 76 between forks 77 for the movement on a rail (not shown). The container is suspended above the pusher 75 the horizontal plane of which corresponds to that of the fixed support (or endless conveyor) 46 and to that on which moves the pusher 73. The latter comprises the shoulder 74. In the course of the movement of the pusher 73 the shoulder goes from the position in which it is shown, where it is in the vertical plane of the rear wall of the store 68, to the end of the mobile backstop 78.

In accordance with FIG. 25 an intermediate container 82 constituted of the two small sides 83 and 84 distanced by 81 is arranged opposite the storage container 9 the opening of which directed downwards is provided with a lid (shown in dotted lines). The lids 6a and 6b describe one after the other a rectangular movement. These lids are supported at their opposite end each by a support 79 which receives the rectangular movement for example from a suitable cam. The endless transporter 46 feeds each lid when it is situated in turn in its plane. The intermediary container 82 is mounted on the lateral transfer drive 80. The space between 82 and 9 is such that the objects which move according to their axis during the movement of one towards the other do not risk to drop between the two.

The operation of the devices presented to illustrate the invention can be described successively with reference to each of the figures.

In accordance with FIGS. I to 6, the objects produced by the transformation machine descend successively, through gravity, into the duct 17 and place themselves onto the pusher 3 which pushes them up, at the rhythm of the transformation machine, into the channel 27 at a level slightly higher than that of the axis of the pawls 18. It is possible of course to provide, for example in order to limit the stroke of the pusher 8, intermediary catches arranged in the channel 27 itself. The first objects distribute themselves over the lid 6. For this purpose a corrugated lid may be provided so as to facilitate the arrangement of the objects resting on this lid. Also it may be considered to raise slightly the edges of the lid facing the walls 12 and I3, the horizontal or appreciably horizontal plane so constituted, as well as the central arrangement of the opening 16 is particularly favorable for the distribution of the objects introduced on both sides of this opening. The objects introduced very regularly push the preceding ones and it is possible in this manner to assure the complete filling of the container 9.

The support 2 which holds the container filled with objects entrains the lid 6 in its rotary movement which may be achieved manually or by mechanical entrainment by the shaft 4. The shaft 3, fixed to the fixing rods of the support 2 by the spring clamps 62 is entrained in the direction of the arrow of FIG. 1. The arms 5 are stopped by abutments 44 while the support 2 may continue its movement up to the position of FIG. 2. After replacement on support 2 the full container for an empty container, the whole is tilted again into the starting position and the elements are replaced into position through the stopping of the arm against the abutments 45.

In accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the axis 1 around which pivots the support is parallel to the small lateral sides 12 and 13 of the container 9. The lid 6 is here integral with the support 2. The empty container 9, fed by the conveyor 20 (FIG. 8) to the inside of the section constituted by the support 2 and by the lid 6 is driven by the support 2 in its tilting, under the gripping action of the angle iron 25 pressed against the container by the spring 23 freed from the contact 21.

The container is tilted as in FIG. 7. Here the pusher 8 is replaced by a blade wheel 26 fed by a conveyor 55. The blades 28 are eclipsed under the effect of the cam 29 at the level where the wall is tangential to the wheel 26. As soon as the detectors 33 signal the end of the filling, the shaft 4 is started to rotate by a suitable means and the full container is deposited on the conveyor where it is left due to the withdrawal of the angle iron stopped against 21. The conveyor 20 is put in motion, for the removal of this container and for the feed of a new empty container, through a suitable contact which actuates its advance by one step.

To absorb the production during the changing of the container, the pusher 8 or the wheel may have a slightly higher operating cycle than that of the arrival of the objects and be stopped during the short moment of the changing of the container. During the period of stoppage a buffer store on inclined plane or cylindrical shell or an accumulation bolt receive the objects.

in accordance with FIGS. ll and 12 where the axis l of the support is perpendicular to the axis of the objects C, the operation is close to that of FIG. I as far as the conditions of rotation of the support 2 and of the whole of the lids 6 are concerned. However the feed with objects is controlled differently. The objects C arranged in one tier on the fixed plate (or endless conveyor) 46, are pushed axially by the pusher 47 onto the upper lid 6, the rack 37 which supports the whole of the lids being of course in bottom position where the upper lid is on the level of the fixed plate (or endless conveyor) 46. The return of the pusher induces, by way of a contact which is not shown, the actuation of the pusher 43 which causes the ratchet wheel 41 to turn and also the wheel connected to the former by the gear 42. The rack rises and a new lid positions itself in front of the plate 46. A stroke-limiting contact (not shown) of the rack controls the rotation of the shaft 39 in the direction of the arrow. This shaft drives the support 2 as well as the rack and the assembly 40, 4], 42. During this rotary movement up to the level of the abutment 44, the wheel 40 engages the wheel 41, the anticlockwise rotation of which is prevented by its ratchet. When the rack 37 enters into contact with the abutment 44 the latter causes the disengagement of the wheel 40. The support continues its stroke, extending itself, with the help of the slide 70, through its contact with the cam guide 71. in this way the crushing of the objects during the withdrawal of the lids 6 is avoided. The lids, immobilized by 44, leave the container at the moment when the objects are at such an angle in relation to the bottom ll of the container, that there is no longer any danger of a dropping of the objects. During its movement of rotation in the opposite direction the support 2 entrains in passing the rack 37 which due to the disengagement of the wheel 40, returns by gravity to the level where the lid 6 is on the level ofthe plate 46. The abutment 45 which limits the angle of rotation ensures the engagement of the wheel 40 by 42.

The plates 67 are intended to separate the tiers of objects. They are delivered one by one by the lower sets of grippers 69 on the actuation of the pusher 47 during its return movement.

The plate and the bed of objects formed on the plate (or conveyor) 46 are transferred jointly by the pusher 47 into the container on the lid in position. The outward movement of the pusher actuates the spreading of the upper sets of grippers 69 and a new plate drops onto the lower sets. The plates may of course be delivered onto the layers of objects formed on 46. The actuations of the grippers 69 are then arranged correspondingly.

The plates 67 may be required to form the essential interleaves in the case where the mass of objects has to be subjected to a compression. Under such conditions the container will form the compression block of the objects.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show a variant which combines the preceding embodiments. The objects are introduced onto the single lid 6 mounted on the rack 37, through a channel 27 at the bottom element of which are provided elements for the pushing up of the objects as previously described. Detectors of presence, pressure pickups or preselected motors such as 33 shown in FIG. 7 control the progressive descent of the plate 6 in two parts. At the end of the stroke, the support 2 and the rack 37 are pivoted as in the case of the device 11. The rack 37 and its lid 6 are removed from the container 9 by way of the contact with the abutment 44. It will be noted that it is possible to arrange the lifting channel 27 in such a manner that it accompanies the rack 37 in its rotary movement. In this way the objects which are present, at the end of the filling, in the said channel 27 are abandoned as the others in the container at the conclusion of the tilting. The detector of the end of the filling may be a preselection meter or a pressure pickup on 6 or 14 which commands the descent of a notch or until disappearance of the pressure. During the tilting movement, 6 is blocked. When it has passed the horizontal, it is stopped by an abutment; 2 and ll continue to descend and attach a contact freeing the coupling; 6 comes into correct position by gravity; on going up again 2 and 11 release the contact, the coupling is blocked and 6 rises again into the position at the beginning of the cycle.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of this last possibility wherein the rack carries the two parts of the lid 6 and the walls 15 integral with the same. These different embodiments comprise of course retractable pawls l8 appropriately located in each individual case.

FIG. 16 shows that it is not indispensable in the case of a mobile lid to arrange the opening 10 of the container 9 in a horizontal plane and that it is not indispensable either to provide the opening 16 in the central area of the lid 6. In the case shown, the distribution of the objects on the lid 6 takes place by force of gravity.

It should be understood that it is likewise conceivable within the scope of the invention, to move the container instead of the lid. This may be done notably in the case of FIGS. 13 to 16.

The embodiment of FIG. 17 uses the type of lid represented in FIG. 10. The conveyor 50 conveys a series of containers above the conveyors 51 and 55 which feed the transformation machine. Two successive containers are at the same time in position, one, 9a, is a full container, the other 9b, is an empty container. The first is subjected, as soon as it has arrived in position, to the action of a pusher 52 which attacks on the projection 35. The movement of 52 and the force of the spring 63 are such that the container will place itself first in inclined position against the stop 53, and then the lid pivots around 34. The objects then drop out by force of gravity and are accepted by the conveyor 51. At the same time the container 9b receives the objects through the opening 16 of a lid identical with that provided on the container 9a. The feed takes place under the conditions described previously. At the end of the filling the conveyor 50 advances by one step, the container 9a comes into the place of 9b to receive objects transformed by the machine while a new full container arrives to be emptied above 51 of the objects which it contains and which are to be transformed in the machine.

The device illustrated by FIGS. l8, l9 and 20 corresponds to various embodiments described previously and combined here to one whole. The reference numbers used in these three figures relate to the elements described on the previous figures. It will be easy therefore to understand the operation of the device of FIGS. l8, l9 and 20 wherein a conveyor 20, on which rest the containers, takes these containers to opposite a post A for the emptying of containers filled with objects to be transformed, then to opposite a post B for the filling of the preceding containers. it should be noted however that the lid 6 of the post A is mounted on the support 2 with a spring 56 which cooperates in the gripping of the container at the moment of the acceptance of the same on the conveyor 20. This spring serves moreover for the return motion of the lid 7 which has been entrained towards the left to determine the emptying opening 64 under the action of the rail 54 which engages the end 57 of the said lid during the end of the tilting movement of the container towards the conveyor 51. The movement of the two supports 2 at each of the posts A and B is synchronized. The contact 60, actuated by the arrival of a new container operates the taking and the tilting of the two containers towards the conveyors 5] and 55 which feed the transformation machine, the end-of emptying detector 59 actuates the opposite movement of the two supports. The detector 61 actuates the advance by one step of the conveyor 20, as soon as the containers have returned onto the same.

By contrast to FIG. 7 however, the bottom of the channel 27 may be connected to the bottom of an inclined plane or of a cylindrical shell on which the cigars glide transversally. These surfaces may be fed directly by the conveyor 55 which conveys the cigars transversally to their axis, or else through the intermediary of a tubular duct 17 the downstream end of which opens at the top of the inclined plane; the upstream end of the tube widens funnel-shaped at a higher level to receive the cigars from the conveyor 55. A thrust may be provided on one side of the funnel to assure the tilting of the cigars so that they penetrate according to their axis into the duct.

The device, provided with the conveyor of objects shown in FIG. 21, receives on the shell 65 the objects which descend by gravity in the channel 17. These objects are alternatingly pushed to the right and to the left by the pusher 66 into the container through the openings 16a and 16b. It should be understood that these openings are provided with obstacles prohibiting the exit of the objects which have entered the container. The distribution of the openings which define four zones assures a regular distribution and a complete filling of the container.

The forms of embodiment represented by the device of FIGS. 23 and 24 assure a filling by means of independent lids which are called on to remain on the container until dismantling. Such a device is particularly advantageous to impart to the container the supplementary function of pressure block. In fact the lids separate the tiers of objects which are compressed between the said lids which have first successively conducted upwards the objects which they support. A tier of objects C formed on the support (or endless conveyor) 46, is pushed, together with a lid 67, towards the left onto the vertical conveyor 75 under the action of the transport elements 73 which also enrains through the shoulder 74 a new lid 67. At the return of 73 this new lid is placed onto 46 and maintained in place by the backstop 78. The whole formed by the lid 67 and the tier of objects C resting on the pusher 75 is transferred by the latter to the level of catches l8 which retain the lid when the descending movement of the lid begins. To achieve compression on the objects it would be quite possible to exert on the last lid, under programmed control or on the control of a filling detector, a thrust of suitable size either to introduce a supplementary lid loaded with objects into the container, or to carry the last lid to the level of a new set of catches arranged beyond the preceding one, or to place a lid designed so as to maintain uniform compression over all the objects of all the tiers.

The solution comprising the intermediary container 82 of F IO. 25 comprises two lids each integral with a mobile support 79 which induces them to carry out a rectangular movement staggered in time. The lid 6b loaded with objects remains in sealing position as long as 60, loaded with objects has not come into its immediate neighborhood to receive the objects previously supported by 6b when the latter disappears towards the left. During this movement the objects are maintained in the container by the wall 81. At the end of the filling the objects are transferred from 82 onto the lid of 9 by the transport element 80. it should be understood that the storage container may also in this case be placed in its normal position, that is to say with its opening directed upwards. It should also be understood that several of the preceding devices may be constructed so as to use independent lids.

1 claim:

1. A process for the filling of a container having walls and a first wide opening extending substantially the entire width between said walls and disposed to allow the simultaneous passage of a plurality of objects comprising the steps of bringing said first wide opening into the bottom position, closing said first opening with a removable lid and having a closing portion to prevent the objects introduced into said container to escape therefrom, and successively introducing the objects from below through at least a second intake opening into the inner space delimited by said walls of said container and said lid.

2. A process for the filling of a container having walls and a first wide opening disposed to allow the simultaneous passage of a plurality of objects, comprising the steps of bringing said first wide opening into the bottom position, closing said first opening with a movable lid having a closing position to prevent the objects introduced into said container to escape therefrom, successively introducing the objects from below through at least a second intake opening into the inner space delimited by said walls of said container and said lid, tilting said container after closing said container with said removable lid and after introducing said objects from below into said inner space delimited by said walls of said container and said lid to bring the open portion of said container upwards, and removing said lid.

3. A process for the filling of a container having walls and a first wide opening disposed to allow the simultaneous passage of a plurality of objects, comprising the steps of bringing said first wide opening into the bottom position, closing said first opening with a movable lid having a closing position to prevent the objects introduced into said container to escape therefrom, and successively introducing the objects from below through at least a second intake opening into the inner space delimited by said walls of said container and said lid, said lid being movable inside said container relatively to said container walls and during the filling process said lid being moved to progressively increase said inner space inside said container.

4. A process for the filling of a container having walls and a first wide opening disposed to allow the simultaneous passage of a plurality of objects, comprising the steps of bringing said first wide opening into the bottom position, closing said first opening with a movable lid having a closing position to prevent the objects introduced into said container to escape therefrom, and successively introducing the objects from below into the inner space delimited by said walls of said con tainer and said lid, said objects being conveyed onto the upper face of said lid before said lid is brought into the closing position thereof.

5. A process for the filling of a container having walls and a first wide opening disposed to allow the simultaneous passage of a plurality of objects, comprising the steps of bringing said first wide opening into the bottom position, closing said first opening with a moveable lid having a closing position to prevent the objects introduced into said container to escape therefrom, and successively introducing the objects from below into the inner space delimited by said walls of said conresponding to the thickness of said group and a further lid is provided to close said container.

7. A process according to claim 5, wherein a separating plate is inserted between each group of said objects conveyed onto the upper face of said lid. 

1. A process for the filling of a container having walls and a first wide opening extending substantially the entire width between said walls and disposed to allow the simultaneous passage of a plurality of objects comprising the steps of bringing said first wide opening into the bottom position, closing said first opening with a removable lid and having a closing portion to prevent the objects introduced into said container to escape therefrom, and successively introducing the objects from below through at least a second intake opening into the inner space delimited by said walls of said container and said lid.
 2. A process for the filling of a container having walls and a first wide opening disposed to allow the simultaneous passage of a plurality of objects, comprising the steps of bringing said first wide opening into the bottom position, closing said first opening with a movable lid having a closing position to prevent the objects introduced into said container to escape therefrom, successively introducing the objects from below through at least a second intake opening into the inner space delimited by said walls of said container and said lid, tilting said container after closing said container with said removable lid and after introducing said objects from below into said inner space delimited by said walls of said container and said lid to bring the open portion of said container upwards, and removing said lid.
 3. A process for the filling of a container having walls and a first wide opening disposed to allow the simultaneous passage of a plurality of objects, comprising the steps of bringing said first wide opening into the bottom position, closing said first opening with a movable lid having a closing position to prevent the objects introduced into said container to escape therefrom, and successively introducing the objects from below through at least a second intake opening into the inner space delimited by said walls of said container and said lid, said lid being movable inside said container relatively to said container walls and during the filling process said lid being moved to progressively increase said inner space inside said container.
 4. A process for the filling of a container having walls and a first wide opening disposed to allow the simultaneous passage of a plurality of objects, comprising the steps of bringing said first wide opening into the bottom position, closing said first opening with a movable lid having a closing position to prevent the objects introduced into said container to escape therefrom, and successively introducing the objects from below into the inner space delimited by said walls of said container and said lid, said objects being conveyed onto the upper face of said lid before said lid is brought into the closing position thereof.
 5. A process for the filling of a container having walls and a first wide opening disposed to allow the simultaneous passage of a plurality of objects, comprising the steps of bringing said first wide opening into the bottom position, closing said first opening with a moveable lid having a closing position to prevent the objects introduced into said container to escape therefrom, and successively introducing the objects from below into the inner space delimited by said walls of said container and said lid, said objects being introducEd by being fed onto the upper face of a plurality of independent lids and said lids close said container successively one after the other.
 6. A process according to claim 3, wherein after introducing a group of said objects into said container, the lid is displaced relatively to said container over a distance substantially corresponding to the thickness of said group and a further lid is provided to close said container.
 7. A process according to claim 5, wherein a separating plate is inserted between each group of said objects conveyed onto the upper face of said lid. 